Mandell Park

Mandell Park is 1.22 acres surrounded by Bonnie Brae, Mandell and Richmond Streets in Houston’s Museum District.

The property was originally half residential (Bonnie Brae side) and half commercial (Richmond side). In the 1980s, the City of Houston purchased and cleared the site to build a public library. The site became a huge vacant lot after the City chose another location.

During the next 15 years, the neighborhood maintained the southern portion of the property and created an organic community garden, later named Meredith Gardens.

In 2004, the property was transferred from the Library Department to the Parks and Recreation Department.. Following the transfer, the City cleared and remediated the commercial portion of the site.

Due to the City’s budget constraints a citizen’s group was needed to continue the improvement and maintenance of the property. Thus, the Friends of Mandell Park was formed.